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 Read Headline Quotes from recent reviews:
"Stopped by and ate here this weekend after a long day at the Azalea Festival hoping that I might finally get some REAL Italian food. Started with the calamari, and it turns out they make it fresh and bread it themselves so that was a nice treat, then tried the Seafood Pasta special and it was truly fantastic! My wife had the Eggplant Parmesan and I do believe we've found the first Italian place that has real home-style like back home in new jersey. The owners are from New York, very nice people, Finally! No more watered down marinara & mass produced bread sticks from Carraba's! Good stuff" User Mark
"Ate here during the Azalea fest and it was nice to be seated outside
with some live music. I had seared tuna and it was fantastic and my
wife had the oysters, very fresh. After we headed up to the rooftop,
it has a nice view up there and a good crowd. Apparently there is a
perfect view of the fireworks during big events. Too bad we missed it.
Very friendly staff too, the owners are local." User Mark
"One of my very favorite restaurants. Great location with water views, wonderful deck seating at the marina. Very fun environment. And the food. . . it is fantastic, especially the Tuna Pecan, Gorgonzola spinach salad -- WOW! The owner John is very nice and is often at the restaurant, so you know it is well taken care of. Wait staff is efficient and friendly. We go there for dining or just drinks, but it is hard to resist that menu!!!!" User Connie L.
Which restaurants are these? Read the full article and more recommendations.
Let us know what you think - leave us a review for our next Word-of-Mouth.
**Our Word-of-Mouth section consists of positive reviews that are received from our members. These are provided as member to member recommendations. Negative reviews are compiled and provided to our local restaurants, in this way, they are addressed and acknowledged by the restaurant owners and managers. It is our attempt to improve the overall quality and experience of the consumer.
Our Headline Quotes:
Airlie Seafood Company
"One of my very favorite restaurants. Great location with water views, wonderful deck seating at the marina. Very fun environment. And the food. . . it is fantastic, especially the Tuna Pecan, Gorgonzola spinach salad -- WOW! The owner John is very nice and is often at the restaurant, so you know it is well taken care of. Wait staff is efficient and friendly. We go there for dining or just drinks, but it is hard to resist that menu!!!!" User Connie L.
Cafe Basile Italian Grill
"Stopped by and ate here this weekend after a long day at the Azalea Festival hoping that I might finally get some REAL Italian food.
Started with the calamari, and it turns out they make it fresh and bread
it themselves so that was a nice treat, then tried the Seafood Pasta
special and it was truly fantastic! My wife had the Eggplant Parmesan
and I do believe we've found the first Italian place that has real home-style like back home in new jersey. The owners are from New York,
very nice people, Finally! No more watered down marinara & mass
produced bread sticks from Carraba's! Good stuff" User Mark
The Reel Cafe
"Ate here during the Azalea fest and it was nice to be seated outside
with some live music. I had seared tuna and it was fantastic and my
wife had the oysters, very fresh. After we headed up to the rooftop,
it has a nice view up there and a good crowd. Apparently there is a
perfect view of the fireworks during big events. Too bad we missed it.
Very friendly staff too, the owners are local." User Mark
More Member Recommendations:
El Cerro Grande
[This] is a great place to eat! There food is always yummy and the
prices are very reasonable, even cheap if you order the right specials.
And the Margaritas are great too. Elaine B.
Mama Fu's
This is one of my favorite restaurants by far. You order a meal at a relatively inexpensive price and you get WAY MORE delicious food than you pay for! I would recommend this place to any and all of my friends and acquaintances.
Who needs a buffet when you've got Mama Fu's? Cassara S.
SoHo Steakhouse
"This has got to be the BEST steakhouse in Wilmington NC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not just talking their meat, wait staff, menu's,...the environment and ambiance is so comfortable!! The executive chef John is Amazing!!! He is a genius!!! Please GO check this place out!!! excellent menu, huge variety!! P.S. Claire is an amazing waitress, ask for her!" By User Lisa
Tayste "I'm from DC and have eaten at some amazing restaurants, and Tayste was one of the best I've ever been to. Their service was phenomenal - very professional and knowledgeable of everything on the menu and wine list. The food was just as amazing. I will recommend Tayste to everyone I know." By user Lisa
Portofino
"Great Italian....Very good Staff....Their specials are to die for....I went to one of their wine pairing it was Unreal 3 whites and 3 reds with some great food all for $30 its the best deal in Wilmington." "This place has the BEST Italian foood in Wilmington." By User: John
Mason's Haunt
"Only been there once but the food was fantastic (so much to choose from on the menu!), service was awesome, and they are willing to please!
We will definitely go there again!" By User: Stephanie
Tayste
"In one word, Tayste is SUBLIME. Last night, with a party of four friends, I experienced great cuisine and service that blows away all other Wilmington "fine dining-type" establishments. Parking was a breeze, as we parked across the side street (2nd) in the large County Parking Deck. Located in the space that formerly housed the now defunct Tango du Chat restaurant at 123 Princess Street, Tayste has taken what was a poorly designed space and transformed it to a hip, urban, yet comfortable dining room. We entered the restaurant into the bar area, which was full of young professionals, local who's-who, couples having drinks pre-Thalian, and a smattering of well-heeled patrons scoffing down martinis and aged scotch. We started with some cocktails at the bar before dinner and enjoyed the small bar tables and chairs that were available nearby. The bar features two plasma type TVs, discreetly placed and with no sound. We were pleasantly surprised with the wide selection of libations, including a beer connoisseurs collection of both bottled and draft beer. The wine list was impressive, without being exhaustive. The bartenders were knowledgeable and efficient. One in our party was a smoker, and she enjoyed the fact that smoking is allowed in the bar. After drinks, we moved over to the separate dining room, where the host delivered us to a lovely table near the windows which overlook Princess Street. We were thankful that all traces of the previous restaurant had been replaced by thoughtful furnishings that encouraged lingering and comradely over a delicious meal. New owner/Chef Paul Riggan has infused the space with upholstered banquettes, added cushioned chairs with backs, and created seating areas that are luxuriously offset by dramatic draperies, which create a warmly inviting intimacy within the space.
Our server greeted us and took another drink order and served deliciously hot whole-grain bread and offered olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh cracked pepper to dip in. After getting the drinks, we ordered appetizers and placed our dinner order. The server had an exhaustive knowledge of the wines on the list and was able to make suggestions to pair with our meal.
The appetizers were beautiful. The BBQ Duck was exceptional, and served over smoked cheddar grits, the grilled scallops were delicious, as was the veal crostini. A total visual masterpiece, the sesami tuna was a delight in taste and presentation.
After the appetizer course, some of us had ordered salads, the House Salad was beautifully wrapped in a hothouse cucumber, which created a little package on the plate. The Baby Blue salad was artfully presented within a baby head of iceberg lettuce that was hollowed-out to create it's own bowl. Needless to say the dressings were all exceptional and of the freshest quality.
Our meal arrived with ooos and aahhs from our table. I ordered the Alaskan Halibut, which was finished with a white wine butter broth. Unbelievable!! My husband had the Beef Tenderoin, topped with a truffle-chive butter, and said it was the best he had ever eaten. Our friends had the Grouper Oscar, piled high with jumbo lump crab and topped with bearnaise sauce and the Double Cut Pork Chop which was served over potatoes, cremini mushrooms, baby spinach and topped with a roasted garlic demi-glaze.
We took our time with the meal, enjoying the great wines and comradely. We also enjoyed people watching, as a panoply of Wilmington names could be spotted here and there. There was a group from the film industry at the next table over from us and a well-know real-estate mogul next to them. People watching aside, the dessert menu looked great, but we were all full. We decided to save room for dessert on our next visit.
We all agreed that Tayste gave us the best meal in recent memory, and blew away other similar restaurants in both service and cuisine. Our server was efficient yet friendly, and when we asked about Chef Riggan, she told us about the Chef's other restaurant in High Point, NC, Bluewater Grille. For those in the know, Bluewater Grille is such a draw that it is booked every night, reservation only, and people drive from all over the Triad area to dine there. After tasting Chef Riggan's food here in Wilmington, it is only a matter of time before that happens here as well.
In summary, the atmosphere was stellar, the food fabulous, and the service, exemplary. Prices are $6-11 for appetizers, $6-11 for salads, and $18-$39 for Entrees. The restaurant also has nightly specials. I also look forward to coming in to the bar for girls-night-out and quaffing down a Godiva Chocolate Martini. Bon Appetit! By User: M. Shoaf
Buoy 32 Bistro
"Best meal that I have had in Wilmington in a long time. A wonderful dining experience. The Chef came to each table while we were having dinner to meet the guest, and asked them if they enjoyed their meal. The food was cooked to perfection. I will going back again soon." User: Josh K.
"What a fantastic addition to the seafood scene at the beach.
We all loved the food and the staff.
A must go for all that love FRESH seafood and creative Chef's." User: Bill J.
Jessamine's Thai & Sushi
"I have eaten here twice in past few weeks - excellent food and service." User: Kathy B.
Indochine Restaurant
"Excellent food and atmosphere, great wines, terrific service, and a huge menu selection. My wife and I loved eating at IndoChine and plan to go back soon." User: Steven T.
Tuscan Grill
"I am so glad that you guys opened up at Carolina Beach; Thanks for filling a void for nice places to dine. Love the food and atmosphere, esp. the wine selection." User: Joel M.
El Agave
"Last night, Dine Wilmington had a special event at El Agave. It was our first time to this restaurant. As frequent travelers to Mexico, my husband and I remarked how it felt like we were back in Puerto Vallarta. There were bowls of bean dip, salsas and chips on our table. The margaritas were great! The food was delicious and plentiful. The owner was coaxed into joining the guitarist in a song ( not a bad voice ).....another customer got up and was singing....it felt so homey and we all had so much fun. We will definitely be back and hope to become one of the Regulars." User: Jane V.
Olympia
"Every time my husband and I visit Olympia, we share the Zeus platter. It is honestly the best fried seafood in North Carolina! We are from New Orleans and have not been able to find REALLY GOOD seafood! Your wait staff is always friendly and hospitable! Thanks and keep up the great work!"
User: Amy F.
The George on the Riverwalk
"If you are looking for great food with great atmosphere - downtown Wilmington is the place to go. We ate at The George on the Riverwalk. The food at The George was great and the service was great. You can't beat the view at The George. The restaurant looks out over the water and at night the atmosphere is great. The food is hard to beat. Each person in the group ordered something different (so that we could all get a taste) - everything tasted great. but we couldn't end the night without dessert - the cheesecake was great! Try it! I hope you and your friends enjoy it as much as we did." User: KJ
Kornerstone
"Locally owned, this is the type of place you need to support because when the economy massively tanks as it's going to these types of places will be the ones you and your families will need to have around in order to keep nourished, because the powers that be at the chain restaurants will be long gone and shuttered. Sound a little sci-fi? Well don't distress, Kornerstone is here, and with your support will be for a long time. I'm not one to cheer for anyone or anything not deserving, so understand this is a place that is super. It's clean, attractive, has outdoor tables if you like, a great menu selection that includes genuine Italian ice cream, in not one but about 12 flavors, shall I go on? Hmmm I shall. The tables are tasteful as are the floors. One person in our party, a local business owner who has two beautiful children that were with us, remarked that the interior has no fabrics, nothing that could absorb liquid. It's family and single friendly. Now the food. Hmmm... did I say awesome? The panini is something like you'll never get from Stouffers, and the salad was incredible with heir own special dressings in little tea-cup like porcelain containers. The server, James, handled a party of 9 with ease and accuracy. It was a great, quick meal. Check it out. You won't stray again." User: Greg J.
Dan's Mason Bistro
"We've dined here several times. Food and service excellent. Great atmosphere too. Make a reservation because it fills up on weekends." User: Linda P.
Szechuan 132
"We have enjoyed both lunches and dinners at Szechuan 132 since we moved here from the Washington DC area in late 2005. We would highly recommend this restaurant; the food is prepared with great care, the selections are not your typical Chinese restaurant fare. There is a respectable wine list. The staff is friendly and attentive." User Pat B.
Lazeeza Mediterranean Grille
"I recently joined some fiends for dinner and was stunned by the relaxing atmosphere at Lazeeza. It is beautiful. I've never had better spanakopita and the lamb chops (served rare) seemed to melt in my mouth. We also had the privilege of being entertained by a beautiful belly dancer over a fabulous bottle of wine. I urge everyone to give this place a try. I'll be back!" User: Angela W.
Double Happiness
"Lunch was Delish!" "I had the Nasi Lemak for lunch today... beautifully presented curried chicken with rice, onions with a delightful chili sauce, cucumbers, peanuts, and a hard boiled egg... very interesting combination of elements and quite tasty!" User: Kathy L.
The Pilot House
"This was one of the Highlights of our vacation to the NC Coast this year. The food was fantastic. We had four people in our party and we all loved our food. The crab legs are divine, and a great value as well. The catfish was cooked to perfection and topped with the best Country Gravy I've ever tasted in my life. Be sure to save room for dessert though. I suggest the apple cobbler. My mouth's watering just thinking about it. The meal was PERFECT, and the service was just as good. If you visit the Pilot House and are lucky enough to get a Waiter named Quintin, you are in for a treat. He was wonderful! Our glasses stayed full, and every request was promptly responded to. Great food, Great value, and Great service. We will definitely be returning to the Pilot House!"
User: Dawn P.
Dockside
"Dockside recognizes it is a seafood restaurant and prepares its dishes to perfection - not covered in sauces and cheese. When they do choose to use a sauce it complements the dish and doesn't overpower it. They also embrace their location and don't lock you in away from the view, the smell and feel of the waterway. There are 3 seafood restaurants one right after the other - the Dockside is always crowded, the others... not so much. It is by far the favorite!"
User: Wayne K.
Delancey's
"This restaurant is truly a "gem" in the rough. Food and its presentation are first class. Service is very accommodating and attentive. The only other comment I would like to make would be to see tablecloths go with the already accompanying cloth napkins... try it once and you will be back." User: James H
Olympia Restaurant
"My wife and I recently visited Olympia after going to church in Wilmington. We traveled from Jacksonville, NC and were in search of a good Greek restaurant. We were very happy to find Olympia. The food was very good. The prices were reasonable. The best aspect of our experience was the staff, who were extremely courteous and went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. Anyway, the only thing that could have made the experience even better would have been a conversation with the owners, whom we understand are Greek and reputably very nice people. Perhaps next time..." Users: Andreas and Matina P.
Delanceys
"Yes, Delancey's is that kind of place where you see your neighbors and friends and the bartender remembers you...all while serving up great food. Not to be missed." User: Rona G.
Airlie Seafood Company
"Airlie Seafood Company was quite a surprise. I was thinking it would just be a "souped up" Fish House, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was actually really good. They have an excellent menu and the atmosphere is good. Excellent shrimp dishes and a great Spinach Tuna Steak Salad. I left full. "User: Ryan
Tuscan Grill
"Excited to find a restaurant of this caliber at Carolina Beach. On different occasions, we have had excellent dinner fare. The Caesar salad gets our high marks, steak and scallops very good. The ambiance is delightful, service efficient and hospitality warm and welcoming. A definite keeper!" User: Joy G.
WormWoods
"Bob and I discovered Wormwoods last night and were delighted. Marcus ,makes the most awesome Burger that I've ever had. He uses special spices to make it great. Homemade chips and sweet potato salad are great also. Scot and Fraya (the Staff) are delightful. Scot's specialty drinks are powerful and the selection of beers is fantastic. We will return to Wormwoods. Thanks." Carolyn
Nicola's
"We tried Nicola's since we're always looking for good italian food. Well we were pleasantly surprised to find a great atmosphere and wonderful food. The Fried Calamari was the best we've had in Wilmington. The entrees were delicious and the side of polanta was an added bonus. We would highly recommend it!!"Karla
City Tavern
"I have recently had the pleasure of dining at a new concept in town City Tavern.City Tavern has probably the best Chillean Sea Bass I have ever had the pleasure to eat. Accompanied by the Ahi Tuna app with a Banana's Foster desert to finish off the night. I will recommended this to all my friends and family. This place has it all. Great food and service. Welcome to Wilmington. Sincerely, Huge Fan (Lisa H.)
Double Happiness
"After visiting Double Happiness many times since their first week, I believe I can now say that they have some of the best, if not the best Chinese food I have ever eaten.
While there are things on the menu I like less than others (of course), overall, I have been continually surprised by the quality and versatility of their offerings.
When my parents came to town, it was just a given I would take them there, and I was right on. My parents had a wonderful time, loved their food, and the atmosphere was perfect.
Also, their tea menu is very nice, offering something for every tea lover - and I LOVE a good tea with my Asian food.
Don't forget the Dim Sum... The Double Steamer is my favorite start to every meal now.
Mai, Keiko and Ellen are three of the most wonderful people I have ever had serve/feed me.
As far as negatives... I feel like I have to add some, to be balanced. This is NOT a menu for novices to Chinese food. If you are only used to Chinese take-out or American-ized foods, you will probably not find a lot on the menu that is familiar. In fact, I have spoken to many people who found themselves not sure what to order. I guess the descriptions could be better (or have pictures - better yet!)
If you find yourself in that position, take advantage of Mei or Keiko's familiarity with their menu, and tell them what you normally like. They will be happy to suggest something.
Overall, I love their food It is fresh, clean and does not weigh me down, even after a large meal." Heather C.
Dan's Mason Bistro
"Dan's compares favorably to fine restaurants in NYC, it is a surprising gem with excellent service, unique dishes and just the right mix of flavors. The staff is marvelous and very attentive. The wine selection is good and the bar mixes a good drink." Wayne K.
Laterna
"My wife and I recently had lunch and were presently surprised. We shared the octopus as an appetizer and followed with a gyro and spanakopita. This was authentic Greek food. We will return and will not hesitate to try dinner." Peter R.
Jerry's
"With a Name like Jerry's and a Logo face like yours, you've got to be great. Hats off to Jerry's. You've put it all together. Food, service and ambience. Not to mention, your one of the few fine dining spots that are open 7 days a week. Our dinners last Sunday night were perfect. Great infusion of flavors and the fish we both had were so fresh and cooked perfectly. My only regret was that I left no room for dessert. That will be for the next time, which will be very soon. You've gained two new patrons......" Jane V.
Banyan
Banyan Asian Cafe has some of the best Asian food we've had in town. The ingredients are fresh, the food well-prepared, and the servers are knowledgable. The pad-thai is not overly sweet and anything ordered medium-spicy is not overpowered by heat, but is just extremely flavorful. Andie R.
Rudino's Pizza & Grinders
"I met with the manager when I was there and he said that their pizza was better than anybody else's in town. He was absolutely RIGHT!! We now regularly get their pizza and subs for our staff meetings and take them home to our families. The best sauce and crust in town!" David M.
Banyan Asian Cafe
"Banyan has a cozy ambience which includes my favorite corner- the table tucked away in a corner complete with pillows for the comfort of guests. The wait staff has always been friendly, patient, and helpful with suggestions and recommendations. As for the food... it's wonderful!!!! The yellow curry is my favorite, but i have never had anything I did not like. And the portions are so large that there is always something leftover for the next day. Banyan is absolutely my favorite restaurant in Wilmington!" Amber D.
Front Street Brewery
"The new and improved Front Street is great! They have a new menu with lots of great salads. But the best part about it is all of the brewed beers on site! I have not met one of those beers I did not like yet!" Amanda A.
Casey's Buffet Barbecue & Home Cookin
"This is the greatest little place. Wonderful food and the employees remember you if you come back. I really enjoy eating here and I give it a big 10". Betsy C.
Sumo Japanese Express
"Sumo is a great place to eat I compare it to HIROS its actually better." By Dustin M.
Brasserie Du Soleil
"Great lobster bisque." By G.
The Bento Box
"They have the best sushi ever. I definitely recommand a trip to this great restaurant only bad thing they don't open on the weekends." By G
Wahoo Willies
"Man, you've got to try their Jamaican Sweet n Spicy Jerk wings!!! mmmm!!! great food all around, perfect service, very laid back atmosphere. Our server said the wings won 1st and 2nd in Creative Wing Sauce at the World Championships in Buffalo! Worth the drive to Porters Neck for sure!!!!" By Garrett L.
Wrightsville Grille
"I have dined there twice recently, sat in the bar both times. Great food (crab dip is wonderful) and staff was very attentive & friendly." By Margaret M.
Remember to bring along a Dine Wilmington Online.com Customer Request from our coupon section next time you dine at out! Leave it behind at the table and if we get it back from the restaurant, you could get a gift certificate for the next time you go!
Do you have a local recommendation - send us a review!
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